William F. "Bill" Bailey Sr.

Candler - William F. Bill Bailey, Sr., 59, of 63 Captains Drive, a loving husband, father, grandfather and generous compassionate friend to countless, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Candler early Tuesday morning May 13, 2003 . A native of Bryson City, he had lived in Buncombe County for most of his life. He was a graduate of Lee Edwards High School and was a recipient of the Mac Duncan Award. Mr. Bailey retired in 1989 as a supervisor with Pic-N-Pay Shoe Stores with 25 years of service and after retiring was co-owner/operator of Fast Lane Auto Parts in Candler for 10 years. He was a member of Pole Creek Baptist Church, a member and Past Master of Hominy Masonic Lodge #491 A.F. & A.M., and a member and Past President of the Buncombe County Shrine Club. He was the son of the late Fred Malone and Helen Marr Bailey and he was raised by the late Andrew and Sally Ward Bailey. Surviving are his wife of 38 years, Sandra Lee Holmes Bailey of the home; son, William F. Billy Bailey, Jr. and wife Kelly of Leicester; grandson, Andrew Bailey; brothers, David Bailey, Tommy Bailey, and Johnny Bailey all of Hickory; special aunt, Christine Mashburn of Asheville; cousins, Mildred Welch of Rogersville, TN and Margaret McHan and husband Gene of Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday in the Anders-Rice Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Dennis Thurman and James Jim Holmes. Burial will be in Green Hills Cemetery with graveside rites conducted by Hominy Masonic Lodge #491 A F. & A.M.. Pallbearers will be Samuel Young, Nathan Holmes, Ray Bailey, Earl Wise, Curtis Hipps, Mike Dillingham, C.D. Crawford and Jerry Creasman. Honorary pallbearers will be members of Hominy Masonic Lodge #491 A.F. & A.M. and the Buncombe County Shrine Club. The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Oxford Children Masonic Home, 600 College St., Oxford, NC, or to Shriners Oasis Temple, P.O. Box 560666, Charlotte, NC 28256, or to Pole Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 96 Snow Hill Church Rd., Candler, NC 28715.